Environmental experts calling for more investment in flood defences in Yorkshire

Re-creating natural flood defences have been used to control the flooding

Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire
Author: Demi OlutunmogunPublished 22nd Dec 2021

Experts have tried to re-create natural flood defences but have said there needs to be more investment to successfully protect thousands of homes in Yorkshire.

For example, work is ongoing along the River Aire in West Yorkshire to replicate dams that beavers used to build.

It's part of a £160 million project known as the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme, to safeguard 1,500 thousand homes in Leeds from rising water-levels.

Professor Alastair Driver, who is leading the work at Broughton Hall Estate- insists the effort is worth it.

He said:

"If you roughen up the landscape with a big rewilding project and you implement these natural flood management interventions you are going to make a significant difference."

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